Background and Objectives
Switzerland’s waste management system is among the most advanced in the world. It is based on waste prevention, recycling, and energy recovery. Waste that cannot be reused, including plastics, is currently often incinerated in municipal waste incineration plants (MWIPs) to generate energy. This process produces energy that is partially classified as renewable. However, there is debate over whether this classification is justified when it comes to the incineration of waste of fossil origin. At the same time, there is also discussion about whether plastic waste, in particular, should be recycled more extensively to close the loop.
Against this backdrop, we conducted a study on behalf of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) to assess the potential for increased material recycling of plastics in Switzerland. The study is based on the waste hierarchy, which has been in effect since 2025 and prioritizes material recycling—provided it is technically, environmentally, and economically feasible.
Methodological Approach
For the analysis, we evaluated existing data and supplemented it with literature reviews and expert interviews. The plastic waste was then divided into three categories: technically recyclable, non-recyclable, and not clearly assessable.
For the potentially recyclable fractions, we have determined the quantities that can actually be recycled. In doing so, we have taken realistic technical limitations into account—such as contamination, composite materials, or problematic additives.
Central results
Our analysis shows that, after accounting for all confounding factors, approximately 330,000 tons of plastic remain that are actually recyclable. Some of this is already being recycled into new products. At the same time, we have identified approximately 253,000 tons that are currently used for energy recovery but could, in principle, also be recycled. This potential is particularly significant in the case of packaging.
When this data is combined with the calorific value reported by Swiss waste-to-energy plants, it shows that 22% of the calorific value produced in 2024 resulted from the incineration of recyclable plastics.
Environmental Assessment
To ensure that the requirement of environmental soundness is also met, we have also compared the two disposal methods—incineration and material recycling—using a life cycle assessment. In doing so, we take into account the entire process, from collection and sorting to recycling. The result is clear: material recycling leads to significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions. It reduces the use of fossil raw materials and conserves resources.
Conclusion and Outlook
A significant portion of the plastics currently used for energy recovery could be recycled. This would reduce fossil fuel-based CO2 emissions and conserve resources.
With our study, we are laying the groundwork for the first-ever assessment of the avoidability of fossil waste in energy recovery.